Childhood Absence Epilepsy (CAE)

What Is Childhood Absence Epilepsy?

Kids with childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) have seizures
where they "blank out" for a few seconds. Most kids with the typical form of CAE will
grow out of the seizures in adolescence.

What Do Absence Seizures Look Like?

Absence seizures look like staring spells. They can happen up to 100 times a day.
Because the seizures can look like daydreaming, they often go unnoticed. Sometimes,
they're misdiagnosed as ADHD.

A typical absence seizure starts suddenly in the middle of activity and ends abruptly.
During one, a child might:

"blank out" or have staring spells that last 3 to 15 seconds

have fluttering eyes or look upward

not be aware of what's going on during the seizure

return immediately to normal activity after the seizure and not know a seizure
happened

Some children also blink repetitively, smack or chew on their lips, or rub their
hands together. These are called automatisms.

What Causes Childhood Absence Epilepsy?

CAE is caused by genetic changes or mutations. Many children have a relative with
CAE. Sometimes kids with absence seizures can have other types of seizures too.

How Is Childhood Absence Epilepsy Diagnosed?

CAE is diagnosed by a pediatric neurologist (a doctor who specializes in brain,
spine, and nervous system problems). Breathing very fast (hyperventilating) can bring
on absence seizures in most kids with CAE. So the doctor may ask a child to do this
in the office or before some tests.

Further testing may include:

EEG, or electroencephalography (to see brain
waves/electrical activity in the brain)

VEEG, or video electroencephalography (EEG with video recording)

MRI scans are rarely needed in this condition

How Is Childhood Absence Epilepsy Treated?

Absence seizures usually get better with medicines. If medicines don't control
the seizures, sometimes doctors will prescribe a special diet, such as a ketogenic
diet. A ketogenic diet is a strict high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that
can sometimes reduce seizures.

How Can I Help My Child?

Kids with typical childhood absence epilepsy almost always lead a normal life.
To help your child, make sure he or she:

Some kids with childhood absence epilepsy have trouble with learning, behavior,
concentration, and attention. Get help from tutors and specialists early on to support
academic, social, and emotional success.

It's important to keep your child safe during a seizure. So make sure that other
adults and caregivers (family members, babysitters, teachers, coaches, etc.) know
what to do. Unlike other types of seizures,
CAE is rarely associated with injury during a seizure.